I have enjoyed the thought-provoking articles by Dr S.M. Rahman that have appeared in the last few months. His ideas are food for the brain. Intellectuals like Dr Rahman are an asset for the Pakistani nation. I commend the editors of The Nation for their sincere efforts in promoting and supporting issues that are of strategic concern. But the question is how can we become a good consumer of these ideas and thoughts. The way forward is to develop high quality participatory circles at grass roots level. Without having this sort of supportive system, the democratic culture cannot take deep roots in the society. This model provides a very economical method of empowering people and generating entrepreneurial initiatives. Trust is created which is a vital ingredient in undertaking public welfare projects to improve quality of life of the people. -KAMRAN, via e-mail, April 8.